PESHAWAR: The Khyber District Press Club has demanded that the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Peshawar be named after Khalil Jibran Afridi, a slain tribal journalist, instead of Arshad Sharif.
The demand was made by the club’s president, Aman Ali Shinwari, following the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s announcement to rename the journalism department after Arshad Sharif, who was killed in Kenya. Shinwari emphasized that tribal journalists have endured immense hardships in the face of terrorism and have made unparalleled sacrifices for press freedom.
"Khalil Jibran Afridi suffered immense hardships for journalism and was mercilessly killed after being shot 19 times. His sacrifices must be recognized," said Shinwari. He added that Afridi was not just a journalist but also a social worker, actively involved in environmental conservation efforts such as planting trees and constructing small water reservoirs in the mountains.
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He further highlighted the challenges faced by tribal journalists, who risk their lives daily under extreme conditions: "The struggles of tribal journalists are unimaginable for reporters in other regions of the country." He urged the authorities to recognize their contributions and take concrete steps for their safety and welfare.
The demand has gained widespread support from the tribal journalist community, who believe that naming the department after Khalil Jibran Afridi would be a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made by tribal journalists.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Workers' President, Shamim Shahid, criticized the provincial government’s decision, calling it "ridiculous" to name the journalism department after Arshad Sharif while ignoring calls for a thorough investigation into his mysterious killing. "If the provincial minister truly respects Arshad Sharif, they should establish a new institution in his name instead," he said, vowing that journalists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would resist the decision at all levels.
